Nintendo has really been pushing the 3DS recently what with some stellar new releases and the promise of more to come via this week's brilliant Nintendo Direct.

The company firmly believes this will be the year that will see many of the current DS owners upgrade to the 3DS and is willing to back it up with an extensive advertising and marketing campaign.

Speaking to MCV, Nintendo UK’s Marketing and PR director Shelly Pearce said the 3DS now has the strongest ever software line up and, with games that appeal to several different audiences, she believes that 2013 "really is the year of 3DS".

3DS has really come into its own over the last two years. The 2013 software line-up is the strongest we’ve ever had and combined with a diverse back-catalogue that includes both Nintendo favourites like Mario, Professor Layton and Zelda as well as titles like Kid Icarus and Heroes of Ruin or New Style Boutique, there really is something for everyone.

To help get more people on board Nintendo will be running TV advertising campaigns as well as other marketing efforts. 3DS product manager Roger Langford told the publication:

You can expect to see extensive sampling, heavy weight TV campaigns, significant online activity and a focus on building communities via social media and events.